Christchurch police and fire investigators have returned to the scene of a house fire in Aranui which left two people in a serious condition in hospital.

As first reported by chrislynchmedia.com, fire and emergency crews were called to Bournemouth Crescent around 9pm following reports of large explosions.

Fire and Emergency Southern Shift Manager Bailey Wells said crews from Christchurch City Station attended, along with two crews from ANZAC Fire Station, including a volunteer crew.

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“When the first crews arrived the house was well ablaze,” Wells said.

Multiple residents reported hearing loud explosions before seeing the house engulfed in flames.

One resident said, “Thought it was an earthquake as it rattled the house.”

On Saturday, a police spokeswoman said officers were called to the incident and enquiries into the circumstances of the fire were ongoing.

A St John spokeswoman said crews responded with three ambulances, a rapid response unit and a manager.

“Crews assessed and treated two patients who were transported to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition.”

Speculation was rife on social media, however a family friend of those injured said, “I can vouch for this family anyone saying it’s meth couldn’t be more wrong. This family would be the first to give you their shirts off their backs.”